Duhawk Dance Marathon Remains Top National Fundraiser Per Capita

5/7/2013

The eighth annual Loras College Dance Marathon raised $183,912.35 for the University of Iowa Children's Hospital and the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH) surpassing its goal of $163,000. More than 300 students participated in the marathon that was held Saturday, April 20, 2013, from noon to midnight.

“The 12-hour event on Saturday was by far the best 12 hours of my life. Through the nerves, the tears and excitement, I was able to accomplish the one thing I set out to do – dance for the kids. I can't describe my feelings, but I can say it was a day I will never forget,” said Miranda Heiar (’13) (Bellevue, Iowa), Dance Marathon president.

Each year, Loras students cumulatively spend over 10,000 hours of their time raising emotional and financial support for the miracle kids. On Saturday, hundreds of Loras students came together and stayed on their feet for 12 consecutive hours without caffeine. Students danced, played games, had theme hours, food and miracle stories from families to support the patients who have been treated at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital and to celebrate their fundraising efforts.

This is the sixth consecutive year that Loras College Dance Marathon has held the title of #1 in the nation, per capita, in fundraising. Loras was also the first college with less than 2,000 students to raise more than $100,000. In March, students pledged $500,000 to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital building campaign. The commitment will come from funds from previous years, $100,000 from this year’s event, and a pledge of $100,000 from the 2014 event. In recognition of the gift, the playroom of the surgical center at the new facility will be named after Loras College Dance Marathon.

Money raised through Loras College Dance Marathon through the years has been used in various programs at the hospital, including: Room of Magic, Beads of Bravery, support for CarePages, CPR Anywhere kits and a vending machine program. Contributions to these programs will continue, in addition to the new pledge.